Public Holidays in Portugal in 2025 offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural tapestry and historical significance. These special days, scattered throughout the year, provide Portuguese citizens and visitors alike with opportunities to celebrate, reflect, and immerse themselves in the nation’s traditions. From religious observances to historical commemorations, each holiday tells a unique story about Portugal’s past and present.
This blog article will delve into the significance of these days, shedding light on their cultural relevance and the usual ways they are commemorated. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply curious about Portuguese culture, understanding these holidays will deepen your appreciation for this vibrant country.
Public Holidays in Portugal In 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Portugal In 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| Liberty Day | Apr 25, 2025 | Friday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Portugal Day | Jun 10, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Corpus Christi | Jun 19, 2025 | Thursday |
| Assumption of Mary | Aug 15, 2025 | Friday |
| Republic Implantation | Oct 05, 2025 | Sunday |
| All Saints’ Day | Nov 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Restoration of Independence | Dec 01, 2025 | Monday |
| Feast of the Immaculate Conception | Dec 08, 2025 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Know More: Public Holidays in Poland In 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day marks the start of the new calendar year in Portugal. People celebrate with family and friends, often staying up until midnight on New Year’s Eve to welcome the new year. Traditions include eating 12 raisins at midnight (one for each month of the year), making wishes, and watching fireworks. Many Portuguese also attend special church services.
The day is seen as a fresh start, a time for making resolutions and setting goals for the year ahead. It’s a public holiday, so most businesses are closed, and people enjoy a day off to recover from celebrations and spend time with loved ones.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian festival that honors Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. In Portugal, it’s a solemn day of reflection and prayer. Many Catholics attend church services and participate in processions reenacting the Stations of the Cross. Some towns hold elaborate processions with people dressed as biblical figures. It’s common to abstain from meat on this day, with fish being a popular alternative.
Good Friday is part of Holy Week (Semana Santa), which is an important religious observance in Portugal. The day is marked by quiet contemplation, with many businesses closed and a subdued atmosphere in towns and cities across the country.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith. In Portugal, it’s a joyous day marked by church services, family gatherings, and special meals. Traditional foods include roast lamb, sweet bread called folar, and chocolate eggs. Many towns hold processions, with people carrying flowers and olive branches.
It’s common for godparents to give gifts to their godchildren on this day. Some areas have unique customs, like the “Compasso” in northern Portugal, where a cross is taken door-to-door to bless homes. Easter marks the end of Lent and is seen as a time of renewal and hope.
Liberty Day
Liberty Day, celebrated on April 25th, commemorates the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which ended nearly 50 years of dictatorship in Portugal. This peaceful revolution, led by military officers, restored democracy without bloodshed. Red carnations became a symbol of the revolution after civilians put them in the barrels of soldiers’ guns.
The day is marked by parades, political speeches, and cultural events celebrating freedom and democracy. Many Portuguese view this as one of the most important dates in their recent history. It represents the country’s transition to a modern, democratic nation and is a time to reflect on the values of freedom, equality, and human rights.
Labour Day
Labour Day, observed on May 1st, celebrates workers’ rights and the labor movement. In Portugal, it’s marked by rallies, demonstrations, and speeches organized by trade unions and political parties. Many use this day to advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, and workers’ rights.
It’s also seen as the unofficial start of spring, with some areas holding festivals or picnics. While it’s a day off for most workers, essential services continue to operate. The holiday serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for workers’ rights and the significance of equitable labor practices in society.
Portugal Day
Portugal Day, celebrated on June 10th, is also known as “Dia de Camões” (Camões Day), honoring Luís de Camões, Portugal’s national poet. It celebrates Portuguese culture, history, and national identity. The day marks Camões’ death in 1580 and commemorates his epic poem “Os Lusíadas,” which recounts Portugal’s historical achievements.
Celebrations include military parades, cultural events, and the presentation of honors by the President. Portuguese communities worldwide also celebrate this day. It’s a time for national pride, reflecting on Portugal’s rich heritage and looking towards its future. Many Portuguese use this day to connect with their roots and celebrate their shared culture.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, meaning “Body of Christ,” is a Catholic feast celebrating the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. In Portugal, it’s marked by religious processions where the Blessed Sacrament is carried through streets decorated with flowers and colorful carpets. Many towns create intricate patterns on the streets using flowers, colored sawdust, or salt. The day often features outdoor masses and religious ceremonies.
While it’s a working day in some areas, many regions still observe it as a public holiday. The celebration combines religious devotion with local traditions, often drawing large crowds to witness the colorful processions and decorations.
Assumption of Mary
The Assumption of Mary, a significant Catholic feast day observed on August 15th, commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was physically transported to heaven at the conclusion of her earthly existence. In Portugal, it’s marked by religious services, processions, and pilgrimages to Marian shrines.
Many towns hold festivals combining religious observances with cultural celebrations. Families often gather for special meals. In some coastal areas, fishing boats are blessed. The day is also seen as the peak of summer, with many Portuguese using it as an opportunity for a final summer outing before the season ends.
Republic Implantation
Republic Implantation Day, observed on October 5th, commemorates the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910, ending centuries of monarchy. The day marks a significant turning point in Portuguese history, representing the country’s shift towards modern democratic governance.
Celebrations include official ceremonies, political speeches, and the raising of the national flag. Many schools and cultural institutions organize events to educate about the importance of this historical moment. While not as widely celebrated as some other holidays, it remains an important date for reflecting on Portugal’s political journey and the values of republicanism and democracy.
All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day, on November 1st, is a Catholic holiday honoring all saints, known and unknown. In Portugal, it’s a day of remembrance for deceased loved ones. Families frequently visit cemeteries to tidy and adorn graves with candles and flowers.
Some areas have the tradition of “Pão-por-Deus” (Bread for God), where children go door-to-door asking for small gifts or treats. It’s a time for reflection on mortality and the legacy of those who have passed. Special church services and family gatherings often mark the day. Many Portuguese use this time to reconnect with family traditions and honor their ancestors.
Restoration of Independence
Portugal’s restoration of independence from Spain in 1640, following 60 years of Spanish control, is commemorated on December 1st by the Restoration of Independence Day. This event, known as the Portuguese Restoration War, was led by Portuguese nobles and resulted in the establishment of the House of Braganza as Portugal’s new ruling dynasty.
The day is marked by official ceremonies, military parades, and cultural events celebrating Portuguese sovereignty and national identity. It’s a time to reflect on the country’s struggle for independence and its place in history. While not as widely celebrated as some other holidays, it remains an important date in Portugal’s national narrative.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Catholics commemorate the hallowed idea that the Virgin Mary was born sinless on December 8th with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. In Portugal, it’s an important religious observance with special masses and processions. The day is also traditionally associated with family gatherings and the start of Christmas preparations.
In some regions, it’s customary to start decorating Christmas trees on this day. The feast has added significance in Portugal as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the country’s patron saint. It’s a day that combines religious devotion with the anticipation of the upcoming Christmas season.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day in Portugal is primarily a family-oriented celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The main festivities occur on Christmas Eve, with a late-night family dinner called “Consoada,” typically featuring codfish, potatoes, and traditional desserts like “Bolo Rei” (King Cake). At midnight, many attend “Missa do Galo” (Rooster’s Mass).
Christmas Day itself is usually spent relaxing with family, exchanging gifts, and enjoying leftover food from the previous night. While Portuguese Christmas traditions vary by region, the holiday generally emphasizes family togetherness, religious observance, and the sharing of special meals. It’s a time of joy, generosity, and reflection on the years past.